Connor relishing opportuntiy to lead Hull through injury crisis

Jake Connor admits he is relishing the prospect of becoming Hull FC’s leader over the coming weeks – but which players he gets to lead over the next few weeks will somewhat of a mystery.

The Black and Whites are facing a mounting player shortage, made no easier after last Thursday’s cup win at Featherstone.

There, Josh Bowden, Chris Green, Fetuli Talanoa and Carlos Tuimavave all left the field with injuries. Bureta Faraimo was sent off and is banned for Sunday’s Magic Weekend clash with Hull KR. And Connor told League Express that, with Marc Sneyd and Albert Kelly out injured, he is hoping to blossom as a leader over a testing period for Hull.

“I enjoyed leading the side,” he said.

“Someone has got to do it and we’ve got heaps of injuries and I’m fortunate I can do it, but I’m excited about the challenge. I think they’re going to be out for quite a while so it’s a good period for me to be in the role for a while and get used to it to guide the lads around the park.

“It’s something I’ve got to work on, leading the side, as there are a few patches in games when I do lose control. But that will come over the next few weeks the I get settled in the role. I’m looking forward to it.”

Connor also admits he is unsure who will partner him in the halves this weekend, too.

“We don’t know how bad the injuries are; we’ve got a long turnaround to Sunday and we could get Carlos back, but if not, I don’t know who else we’ve got!” he laughed.

“There’s still a great pack and we’re still confident we can play.

“It was absolutely crazy on Thursday – I imagine it was the same watching. It was pretty much a shambles but we’re delighted to get the win and get through. Now it’s on to Hull KR.”

With Wayne Bennett coaching his 800th NRL game this week, we thought we’d give you the tough task of naming the other nine names in the top 10. Plenty on this list have taken a shot at coaching in the UK so see how many you can name....

With Wayne Bennett coaching his 800th NRL game this week, we thought we’d give you the tough task of naming the other nine names in the top 10. Plenty on this list have taken a shot at coaching in the UK so see how many you can name....